Memory Tree (Paul Power, left) comes to beat The Abbey (Keith Donoghue)© Photo Healy Racing
An Fearchan had to be re-shod and after a couple of false starts the Listowel Beginners Chase eventually got off nearly ten minutes late. That matters little to backers and connections of Memory Tree who got the job done in the penultimate event.
Trainer/jockey Paul Power was enjoying a third success in September, following on from Tiantu’s wins at Wexford and Tramore. The Abbey made a decent bid from the front end in this Listowel two and a half miler, but up in trip he couldn’t last it out and Memory Tree was strongest from the last, by two lengths.
"He was the highest rated in the race so I'll have to agree with the handicapper now as I wasn't happy with him a couple of runs ago," revealed Power.
"I think the flat track suited him and he jumped great. He probably didn't handle Tramore looking back at it but it is a local track and I tend to go there.
"If there was a rated novice he would run in one. I don't think he'd compete in handicaps. He could also be sold so we'll see."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Aprils Joy trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
P. Townend, rider of Aprils Joy trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled after jumping the first.
(TW & EM)
